Notre Dame`s Top Gun

fall 2011
IRISH
7
Notre
Dame’s
Top Gun
plus:
Read about how
’99 grad Carrie
(Geyer) Dillon
is teaching the
next generation
of fighter pilots
Fr. Bryson
Brian Widmaier
Mark Cendrowski
Natalie (Render)
Raghu
Tom Novak
Irish news
Alumni notes
Royal Oak, MI
Permit 615
Notre Dame Preparatory School
1300 Giddings Road
Pontiac, MI 48340
PAID
Non Profit
U.S. Postage
A WORD FROM YOUR NEW
ALUMNI DIRECTOR
“Welcome home!” These are the warm words I received upon accepting the director of alumni relations position at Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy. And a warm welcome home it has
been! As a Class of 2000 alumna (NDP), I am thrilled to be back on
campus joining Notre Dame’s office of advancement. Kelly (Cole)
Patterson ’99 (NDP) has been a tremendous asset to Notre Dame and
its alumni and has laid the groundwork for building an exceptional
alumni association. I look forward to further developing our alumni
ties and hope to meet many of you at homecoming on September 23
and other upcoming events.
As you’ll read in this issue of IRISH, there are great things happening at NDPMA. If you haven’t had the opportunity to reconnect
with Notre Dame lately, I encourage you to come back for a visit.
No matter the number of years since your graduation or the physical
building of the school you attended, you will be welcomed back and
feel at home here. I will be happy to give you a tour, walk you down
memory lane and show you recent updates. The teachers, administration and staff always enjoy seeing our alumni and hearing where life
has taken you. And while our current students aspire for good grades
and acceptance into the college of their choice, they view successful
Notre Dame alumni as positive role models for their future.
The Notre Dame Alumni Association
offers you enjoyable opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni and celebrate your
alma mater. You might consider attending an
event with some former classmates, dropping
by a monthly board of directors meeting, participating in the annual
fund or volunteering your time and talents to help the school. Whenever we see you, we will thank you for your friendship and welcome
you home. After all, they say that home is where the heart is—and
our hearts forever love thee Notre Dame.
Irish blessings,
Rachel (Alexander) Miller ’00 (NDP)
Message from
Kelly (Cole) Patterson ’99 (NDP)
During one of my spring cleaning episodes, I came across an old journal.
The message I read was written neatly and clearly on the white lined
paper. The cursive words read, “Stay awake.” These words brought me
back to the 2010 National Leadership Conference and the presenter
was welcoming the participants and encouraging them to “Stay awake”
to the opportunities that awaited them throughout the week. Writing that reminder, my intention was
not to stay awake throughout the conference,
but to stay awake when opportunity whispers,
or when God nudges, or whatever it is that
compels one to action. As I read through my
notes, I smiled. Currently, I’m in a transition
period in my life. Many of you already know
that this summer, I’m transitioning back into
the classroom after serving as the alumni
director for the past three years. This fall,
I’ll be teaching middle division students here at Notre Dame Marist
Academy. When the opportunity arose, I felt God’s nudge and knew that
it was the time to keep moving along my career path. To all the alumni, I thank you for supporting me, for volunteering,
for staying in touch, and for all of your support to the Notre Dame
community. I want to be the first to welcome Rachel (Alexander) Miller
’00 (NDP) to Alumni Office, and I wish her well in her future at Notre
Dame. The alumni are lucky to have her, as she is a fellow graduate with
passion and experience that will support the alumni association and the
advancement office at Notre Dame. Finally, I wish to encourage all of you to stay awake to the
2 IRISH
possibilities which await you. They may appear highlighted in a journal
or gently brushed across your vision, but nevertheless, be awake to
life’s experiences. Trust in God that you are where you’re meant to be
and you are on a path to greatness. This issue of IRISH is filled with
people who are alive with possibilities and alumni who are seeking new
opportunities. Our cover story about my classmate Carrie (Geyer) Dillon
’99 (NDP) describes how she followed her passion for flying and turned
it into a very “lofty” career. As you read through the Letters & Notes on
page 22, I hope you’ll feel a sense of adventure as you read about our
fellow alumni moving about their lives, getting married, having children,
changing jobs, and remembering those who have made an impact on
their life, such as Rev. John Bryson on page 14. No matter where you are
on your path of life, remember to stay awake to God’s calling. One more
thing: remember to thank those people who make a positive impact in
your life. I would like to thank all the alumni who supported me in this
juncture of my life. I wish Rachel the best of luck, and I encourage all of
you to stay awake!
God bless you,
Kelly (Cole) Patterson ’99 (NDP)
Fall 2011 Volume 1 Issue 7
IRISH
IRISH is a magazine devoted to the alumni and friends of Notre Dame Preparatory,
Notre Dame, Oakland Catholic, Pontiac Catholic, St. Michael and St. Frederick
schools. It is distributed free of charge. For more information, please see the alumni
section of Notre Dame Prep’s web site at www.ndpma.org/alumni.
CONTENTS
D I R E C TO R O F A L U M N I R E L AT I O N S
Rachel (Alexander) Miller ‘00 (NDP)
4
IRISH NEWS
Get the latest about NDPMA and alumni.
7
NDP grad advocates for the underserved and vulnerable
Providing healthcare to underserved communities led this doctor-to-be in a
different direction.
8
E D I TO R
Mike Kelly ‘73 (NDHS)
C O N T R I B U TO R S
Catherine (Kathy) Bembas
Andy Guest ‘84 (NDHS)
Frank Castronova ’89 (NDHS)
notre dame’s top gun
Carrie (Geyer) Dillon ‘99 (NDP) is preparing the next generation of the nation’s
best fighter pilots.
IRISH is published twice yearly in
the spring and fall by the Notre
Dame Alumni Association.
11
The magazine’s address is
1300 Giddings Road
Pontiac, MI 48340
248-373-2171
[email protected]
ndpma.org
world walker
Future doctor Malinda Killu ‘08 (NDP) is grateful for the education NDP gave her; also plans to walk the world!
12
exploring man’s relationship with machines through art
Notre Dame alum’s residencies and teaching positions around the world included a stint at his alma mater.
14
“thanks a million!”
Alumni, Marists and friends gathered on June 2 to remember Fr. Bryson.
19
nd grad finds fun and a career in Hollywood
Busy director also finds time to teach at UM.
22
Friend us! Like us! Use your smartphone
QR code scanner app to be connected
instantly to the NDAA alumni Facebook
page.
LETTERS AND NOTES
Alumni send their notes and letters.
Contact us:
Advancement Office - Alumni Director
Notre Dame Preparatory School
and Marist Academy
1300 Giddings Road
Pontiac, MI 48340
248-373-2171 - ext. 3
Fax 248-373-2175
[email protected]
www.ndpma.org/alumni
Advertise
in IRISH?
Are you interested in
advertising to 10,000
of your alumni friends?
Place an ad in an
upcoming IRISH.
Contact Mike Kelly
‘73 (NDHS) for more
information and pricing:
[email protected].
ON THE COVER: Carrie (Geyer) Dillon ’99
(NDP) is preparing the next generation of
the nation’s best fighter pilots.
FALL 2011 3
IRISH NEWS
Record amount of scholarship
dollars for Notre Dame’s class
of 2011
Nearly $12 million dollars in university
scholarships and grants have been offered
to the Notre Dame Prep graduating class
of 2011, which numbers 160 students.
This is a record amount in total for the
school and the $73,594 per-student average exceeds the per-student average of 16
previous NDP graduating classes.
The University of Notre
Dame is enrolling seven
graduates of NDP this fall.
Alumni board welcomes 5 new members
Congratulations to Frank Coppola ’73 (NDHS), Daniel Marchese
’02 (NDHS), Michael Bray ’02 (NDP), Sarah Fredin ’09 (NDP) and
Keaton Curran ’10 (NDP), whose election to the board of directors
was officially announced at the Alumni Annual Meeting on August
16, 2011. John Schwartz ’00 (NDP) was re-elected to a new term.
Continuing their terms will be Mark McGreevy ’76 (NDHS), Scott
Lockhart ’98 (NDP), Jim Gammicchia ’99 (NDP), Gina (Coppola) Cereska ’00 (NDP), Trent Thiry ’00 (NDP), Victoria Sidor ’01
(NDP) and Jane Dika ’02 (NDP).
The Alumni Board of Directors is a group of dedicated alumni who
gather monthly to plan events, networking opportunities and keep
alumni close to their Notre Dame family. The mission of the board
is to foster and strengthen the relationship between Notre Dame and
its alumni, preserve and promote the traditions and mission of the
school, and keep alive the affection and reverence for our alma mater.
If you would like to take an active role in the Notre Dame Alumni
Association, contact board president, Jim Gammicchia, at [email protected] or visit www.ndpma.org/alumniboard.
New director at Lourdes Center in Boston
On January 1, 2011, Fr. Andrew Albert, s.m., was named superior/director of the Lourdes Center in Boston,
replacing the retiring Fr. Normand
Martin, s.m., who served 25 years at
Notre Dame High School in Harper Woods. Martin remains on staff
at the center along with Fathers Albert DiIanni, s.m., and Roland
Lacasse, s.m.
The Lourdes Center was founded in 1950 by the Archbishop of
Boston and the Bishop of Lourdes to promote loving devotion to
Our Lady of Lourdes, to distribute Lourdes water in North America,
organize pilgrimages to Lourdes, France, and to serve as a center for
information on Lourdes.
Notre Dame Prep alum enters priesthood
Notre Dame Preparatory School alumnus Eric
Fedewa was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese
of Detroit by Archbishop Vigneron on June 11.
Fedewa, who graduated from NDP in 2000, is
currently an associate pastor at St. Anastasia
in Troy.
4 IRISH
Eric Fedewa ’00
(NDP)
Notre Dame fifth graders meet with Sen. Levin to discuss
invasive species
As part of the action plan of their International Baccalaureate-PYP
exhibition, Notre Dame Marist Academy fifth graders Kyle Cragg,
Thomas Ridge and Claire Seitzinger met with U.S. Senator Carl
Levin in his Detroit office on March 22 to discuss the research they
had done on invasive species in the Great Lakes.
The senator listened intently as the
students presented their findings on the
various exotic species currently living
in the Great Lakes or threatening to
invade the waterways.
“These fish pose a real, clear and
growing threat to the Great Lakes and
I will continue working to ensure tools U.S. Senator Carl Levin
met in March with ND fifth
like the Asian Carp Prevention and
graders.
Control Act and others will be available
as we counter this threat,” Levin said in December after a bill coauthored by Levin and Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, that will aid
in the fight against the further spread of Asian carp was signed. “The
devastating effects Asian carp could have on the Great Lakes are not
fully known, and I want to make sure they are never realized.”
Sen. Levin thanked the lower-division students and told them they
had done a great job with their research and presentation. He said he
looks forward to finding an effective solution to this very important
problem.
Cragg, Seitzinger and Ridge also presented their research at a recent
public hearing of the U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers.
Notre Dame Prep wins state robotics championship
The NDP Killer Bees put together
a great weekend of robotics match
play in April and earned the state
championship of the FIRST (For
Inspiration and Recognition of
Science and Technology) competition, where student-operated robots
competed at Eastern Michigan University.
Besting over 180 other teams, the state-champion alliance of
students from ND Prep, Huron Valley Schools and Goodrich High
School earned a trip to the world finals in St. Louis, Missouri.
NDHS grad featured in Esquire Magazine
Ben Blackwell ’00 (NDHS) was featured in
Esquire Magazine’s second annual songwriting
challenge, called “Last Night in Detroit” this
year. According to the publication, the contest
involved “five musicians dressed in the season’s
best jackets and jeans, one great American city,
and a simple challenge: write, perform, and record an original song inspired by our phrase.”
A drummer in one of Detroit’s most popular bands of late, the Dirtbombs, Blackwell
Ben Blackwell ’00
also oversees production at his uncle Jack
(NDHS)
White’s record label in Nashville, Third Man Records.
Blackwell’s song was titled, “Bury my Body at Elmwood.” Read
more: http://www.esquire.com/features/music/songwriting-challenge2011#ixzz1RpQvpm00.
NDP’s Jezdimir coach of The Oakland Press Dream Team
(from The Oakland Press) “The
Fighting Irish haven’t traditionally
enjoyed a lot of success in boys
basketball, but that changed this
year. [With first-year head coach
Brandon Jezdimir,] Notre Dame
Prep went 18-5 to win its division
in the Catholic League, took Class
A state quarterfinalist Orchard
Lake St. Mary’s to triple-overtime
in the Catholic League tournaCoach Jezdimir talks to his players
ment, and gave Country Day a
during the 2010-11 season.
decent game in a Class B regional
final.”
Art show features interpretations of early 20th-century art
movement
The 2011 Notre Dame Marist Academy - Middle Division student
art exhibition, which opened May 9, featured art from students in
the sixth through eighth grade.
A large portion of the exhibition
included paintings created as
interpretations of an early 20thcentury art movement known as
Fauvism.
According to Gardner’s “Art
Through the Ages,” “The first
signs of a new and specifically
twentieth-century movement in
painting appeared in Paris in 1905. In that year, a group of younger
painters under the leadership of Henri Matisse exhibited canvases so
simplified in design and so shockingly brilliant in color that a startled
critic described the artists as ‘fauves’ (or ‘wild beasts’). . .They produced canvases of great spontaneity, with rich surface texture, lively
linear patterns, and boldly clashing effects of primary colors.”
The student show, which also featured pencil studies and sculpture,
is an annual event that usually runs a couple of weeks in mid-May in
the main lobby of the Pontiac campus.
Graduate chosen one of 100 finalists
worldwide for prestigious award
Graduating senior Matt DePorre, NDP’s Killer
Bees robotics team captain, was one of only 100
finalists worldwide chosen for the FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Award, which celebrates outstanding student leaders whose passion for and effectiveness at attaining FIRST ideals is exemplary.
In an effort to recognize the leadership and de- Matt DePorre ’11
votion of some of FIRST’s most outstanding FRC (NDP)
(FIRST Robotics Competition) students, the Kamen family (inventor
Dean Kamen founded FIRST in 1989) created the award for selected
top students — FIRST superstars — to be known as the FIRST Dean’s
List.
DePorre’s Killer Bees team took the 2011 Michigan robotics championship in early April, but came up short in the division semifinals of
the World Robotics Championship in St. Louis.
The Marist House in Framingham closes
After 72 years under the authority of the Marist Fathers and Brothers
of the United States, the Marist House in Framingham, Massachusetts,
has closed its doors.
“It was a very painful decision,” the Rev. Ted Keating, U.S. provincial
for the Marists, said recently in one of Framingham’s local newspapers.
Situated on 35 acres of land, the sprawling house, which has 31 bedrooms, conference rooms, an auditorium, two chapels, a large kitchen,
dining hall and gift shop, was officially closed this past July.
The Marists said the building required more than $1 million in deferred maintenance and it just didn’t make sense
any more to keep it open. “The more we looked
at it, the more impossible it became with our
limited resources,” Keating said.
The house opened in 1939 by the Marists as a
seminary, but later became a religious retreat and
conference center as well as a home for a small
number of elderly priests and brothers.
According to Br. Leonard Haley, s.m., six for- Br. Leonard Haley,
s.m.
mer Marist House residents, including himself,
moved to Waltham, Mass., where they rent a floor of a retirement
building owned by the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers. Besides
Br. Leonard, the Marists with NDHS connections who moved to
Waltham include Fr. Robert Champagne, s.m., and Fr. Walter Gaudreau, s.m.
The address in Waltham is: St. Joseph’s Hall, 554 Lexington St.,
Waltham, MA 02452-3029.
Sara Barron receives
medal at the track
championship.
NDP runner is state champion in 800
At the division-2 state track and field finals in
early June, then-junior Sara Barron won the
800-meter run with a school record time of
2:13.49.
To date, Barron holds six school records and
the CHSL record in the 1600 meter, which she
set this year in breaking a league 27-year mark.
Another perfect ACT score at Notre Dame Prep
For the third year in a row, a student at ND Prep achieved perfection
on the ACT. Matt Siatczynski, a senior and a member of the National
Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society and the school
lacrosse team, achieved a score of 36 during the last school year.
Last year, 2010 graduate Jon Sheperd scored a 36, and Ryan McIntosh, who graduated from NDP in 2009, also achieved a 36 on his
ACT.
According to ACT, Inc., which administers the test, less than one
FALL 2011 5
Matt Siatczynski
percent of ACT test takers in 2010 scored a 36.
The national average score for 2010 was 21.0 for
the approximately 1.6 million students who took
the test.
Siatczynski is in NDP’s AP path of study and
had a cumulative GPA of 4.359 at the time he
received his ACT score.
He is hoping to double major in chemical engineering and finance or study pre-med at Notre
Dame, MIT, Duke or Harvard.
ND boys and girls lacrosse teams win CHSL championships
On a rain-soaked Saturday in May at Notre Dame Prep’s field,
the NDP boys and girls lacrosse teams both earned Catholic High
School League championships by defeating Flint Powers and Livonia
Ladywood, respectively, 13-1 and 19-15. It was the fourth straight
CHSL championship for the boys (13-3) and third straight for the
girls (12-3).
Muggs play show with legendary band Cactus
Danny Methric ’90 (NDHS) and
Tony DeNardo’s ’90 (NDHS) band,
The Muggs, opened for the reunited
Cactus (featuring local guitar legend
Jim McCarty) on July 22 at The
Magic Bag in Ferndale. The Muggs
released their third album, “Born
Ugly” on April 29 to positive reviews NDHS grads Methric, left,
and they continue to tour, including and DeNardo, right, with
a performance at the Arts, Beats &
drummer Todd Glass.
Eats festival in Royal Oak, Mich., on
September 3. http://www.themuggs.com
NDHS alum honored with field dedication
Brian Kelly ’77 (NDHS), longtime head baseball coach at De La Salle
High School in Warren, Mich., was honored April 30 with the naming of the school’s baseball field as “Kelly Field.”
In honoring Kelly, who is the athletic director at DLS, the dedication recognized his significant accomplishments with the De La Salle
baseball program, including three state championships — 1993, 2000
and 2009.
Kelly began teaching at De La
Salle in 1982, and took over the
varsity head coach spot in 1985
after two years with the freshmen
and JV teams. During his tenure
as head coach, Kelly — who is the
son of the late Notre Dame High
School coach and athletic director
Tom Kelly — amassed over 600
victories.
Brian Kelly ’77 (NDHS), left, In 2010, Kelly handed over the
with De La Salle principal
head baseball coaching duties to
Patrick Adams ’77 (NDHS)
after the Kelly Field dedication Matt Cook, but assisted Cook this
past season.
in April.
6 IRISH
Another state champion for Notre Dame
Notre Dame Prep junior Aaron Knutson captured the individual state championship title in
boys golf as he led the Notre Dame Prep boys
varsity team to a top-tier finish at the division-3
state championships.
Knutson, who shot a two-day total of 140 (68Aaron Knutson
72), sank a 35-foot birdie putt on the first hole
of a sudden-death playoff against Sam Weatherhead of Grand Rapids
West Catholic to earn medalist honors.
Five 2011 graduates are NDPMA “gold-level” lifers
Five graduates from Notre Dame Preparatory School’s Class of 2011
earned “gold-level-lifer” status after attending Notre Dame since the
lower division. Alexander Hopcroft, Sarah Skutnik, Tim Cambridge,
Reine Mager and Bryce Haley each began their NDPMA education
in the fifth grade in the school’s lower division.
The school also recognized 59 “green-level” lifers from the Class of
2011. Green-level lifers are students who started at NDPMA in the
sixth grade in the middle division.
Comic to perform in Port Huron in October
Dave Coulier ’77 (NDHS), comedian and actor
(“Full House”) will perform as part of Port Huron’s
Blue Water Film Festival, which will be held Oct.
2-8. Coulier performs at 8 p.m. Oct. 6 at the
McMorran Theater, 701 McMorran Blvd., Port
Huron; (810) 985-6166. Tickets are $12. See www.
Dave Coulier
bluewaterfilmfestival.com for more information.
’77 (NDHS)
Jakubik All-American in hockey at CMU
Jordan Jakubik ’06 (NDP), a student-athlete at Central Michigan
University, was recently named First Team All-American in the
ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association). Jakubik also was
named the “MVP” for the ACHA 2010-2011 season. In 35 games
this season, Jordan had 40 goals and 51 assists to capture the scoring
title in the ACHA. Jakubik is in the doctorate program at CMU for
physical therapy.
NDP junior wins CHSL wrestling championship
Notre Dame grappler James Yanik, who will
be a senior this fall, won the Catholic High
School League championship at 171 pounds
in February 2011. From an article in The
Michigan Catholic in February: “The 171pound weight class was the only one in which
a finalist didn’t come from either Catholic
Central or Divine Child. Notre Dame Prep’s
James Yanik and University of Detroit’s
David Obia fought a seesaw battle in that
match. But it was Yanik who scored on a
takedown at the bottom of the circle with 30
James Yanik
seconds left in the third period to earn the
3-2 win.”
Please see IRISH News, page 16
NDP grad advocates for the
underserved and vulnerable
N
atalie (Render) Raghu
’00 (NDP) always knew
she wanted a career in
healthcare. In fact, she
thought for sure she was
going to be a physician.
However, when she got to college at the
University of Michigan, she realized after a
while that maybe there was a different role for
her in healthcare—nursing. Raghu, who has
a bachelor’s degree in nursing from UM and
a master’s in nursing from Rush University in
Chicago, talks with IRISH about where she
ended up and why she made the switch.
IRISH: When did you decide that you were
going to study nursing?
RAGHU: Honestly, it took me a while to
figure out what I wanted to do with my life.
Going into college I thought I wanted to be a
physician. However, after volunteering at the
University of Michigan Hospital in an outpatient cancer-infusion unit, I realized there
were many different roles in healthcare and
being a physician wasn’t the right fit for me. I
wanted to have a different type of relationship
with the patients and their families.
IRISH: What stimulated your interest in
becoming a nurse practitioner—specifically,
your chosen field?
RAGHU: After my decision to become a
nurse I started working at a nurse-managed
care center at UM. This type of center is
where nurse practitioners are the primary
care providers for patients. Traditionally,
nurse practitioners have served in a role
of providing healthcare to underserved
communities and little did I know that this
part-time position would help me realize
my calling. This center served uninsured,
low-income, and non-English speaking
patients in the communities surrounding
Ann Arbor. It was through this position that
I saw the face of the most vulnerable people
in our population, including women,
children and the elderly, who gained access
to vital healthcare resources. Since that
time I have been committed to providing
high-quality healthcare first in my role as
a registered nurse and now a family nurse
practitioner at Erie Family Health Center in
Chicago.
IRISH: What are your specific goals in
healthcare?
RAGHU: My specific goals in healthcare
include advocating for patients and their
families, providing the highest quality of
care to all the patients I serve, and helping
those in need access healthcare. That said, I
do think that there are major changes that
need to occur within healthcare to meet the
needs of the people in this nation.
“I think that the
rigorous academics
with core values to
serve others are what
really prepared me
well for college,
graduate school
and a career in
healthcare.”
Natalie (Render) Raghu ’00 (NDP) on how
Notre Dame prepared her for college and life.
IRISH: What do you think is the most pressing issue in healthcare today?
RAGHU: The most pressing issue in healthcare today is figuring out how our country
can provide access to healthcare to the 50
million uninsured Americans (Kaiser Family
Foundation, 2011).
IRISH: Describe your family. How do you
balance family time and your work schedule?
RAGHU: It is difficult to balance family and
career, especially in healthcare. I think it is
important to use time efficiently and be well
organized so that you can have time away
from work and spend it with friends and
families.
IRISH: How do you think your years at
Notre Dame prepared you for your career?
RAGHU: I think that the rigorous academic
schedule with core values to serve others is
what really prepared me well for college,
graduate school and a career in healthcare.
IRISH: How does your relationship with
God influence and guide your practices?
RAGHU: In healthcare, many times you are
faced with the happiest moments in people’s
lives but also see people at their worst. Having
a relationship with God is important to keep
yourself balanced.
IRISH: Is there any advice you would offer
to a student who is thinking about studying
nursing?
RAGHU: If you desire a fulfilling role in
healthcare, if you want the ability to impact
people’s lives on a daily basis, want to work
hard both physically and mentally and have
an affinity for science, nursing may be the
career for you.
IRISH: Was there a certain teacher who
inspired you in a special way at ND?
RAGHU: A couple of teachers largely affected my development into the person I am
today and inspired me to serve others. Specifically, Fr. Joe and the way he was able to mentor those students who may not have been
on the straight and narrow at that particular
time. He was able to make students feel loved
and valued even when they got off track. Also,
Mr. Simon made a big impact on me—the
way he taught us to stand up for what we
believed in and advocate for the rights of the
less privileged in our world.
FALL 2011 7
Notre Dame’s top
’99 GRADuate PREPARES the next generation of the nation’s
M
averick and Goose have got nothing on Carrie.
While the fictional characters from the popular
1986 film took the "Top Gun" pilot school by
storm, Notre Dame Prep grad Carrie (Geyer)
Dillon ’99 is schooling the latest generation
of top gunners at Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar in California. She teaches Marine pilots to fly tactically in
F-18 Hornet fighter jets and gets them ready for the fleet where they
eventually may deploy to Iraq or Afghanistan.
“I train them on dropping air-to-ground weapons (bombs) and
fighting in the air-to-air arena—basically, dog fighting,” she said.
“I spent three years before this flying in an F-18 Super Hornet fleet
squadron deploying to Afghanistan. My job title now is weapons
system officer, but in simple terms, if you’ve seen the movie ‘Top Gun,’
I do what Goose did.”
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, formerly Naval
Air Station (NAS) Miramar is a United States Marine
Corps installation that is home to the 3rd Marine
Aircraft Wing, which is the aviation element
of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. It is
located in Miramar, California, about 10 miles
north of downtown San Diego.
A typical class at Miramar lasts nine
weeks and is designed to train already
experienced air crews in all aspects of fighteraircraft operation, including tactics, hardware
and techniques.
Geyer says that even though her job can
be pretty routine, there are moments that make
her really appreciate the high levels of both
skill and danger inherent in her line of work.
She recalls a particular instance back
when she was flying missions in Afghanistan. After spending seven hours in the air
supporting ground troops, Geyer and her
squadron mate, who was her pilot for the day,
were returning at night to
8 IRISH
the aircraft carrier. She says it was quite late, pitch black and they were
dead tired.
“Sometimes after spending seven or eight hours strapped to an
ejection seat listening to soldiers being shot at over the radios, you
want nothing more than to grab a hot dinner and crawl into bed.
However, there is always one big hurdle in your way—that hurdle is
making it back on the boat!”
Landing on a carrier has been described by those that do it all the
time as basically making a controlled crash with the jet. Geyer says
the aircraft they were flying on that mission descends at about 700
to 1,000 feet per minute, and at night, sometimes all one sees are the
lights on the center line of the runway.
“Well, on this night as we were making our descent to land, the
primary instruments in the front seat went out,” she said. “We had to
land on stand-by instruments, which makes for a very scary landing.
So we were close to touching down, and I noticed that the plane was
descending lower than it should have been. We heard the landing signal officer, who is on the carrier and aids each jet as it lands, screaming
‘Power!’ over the radio.” If you hear that call, she says, it’s always a bad thing. “I couldn’t
see anything but black around us, and I thought we were about to hit
the back of the carrier. I sat in my seat and thought to myself, ‘Well,
it might be my time to go.’ But we somehow made it on board after a
quick climb. Looking back, I doubt if we were even close to crashing,
but it certainly felt close! We both walked away from the jet that night
with very pale faces!”
In such a young life, Geyer most certainly has seen and experienced a fair amount of heroic and inspirational moments and has
worked with many individuals who deserve respect and admiration.
But she reserves a special place for those who affected her in a positive
way at Notre Dame.
She said several teachers at NDP inspired her for different reasons.
“Mr. Borton, for his never-fading passion to teach us his favorite
subject, calculus; Fr. Strasz, for always finding something special in
every student and helping them develop it; Mr. Simon, for best relat-
gun
best fighter pilots
ing to all of us, and of course, Mr.
Rice, for being one of the coolest
individuals I have ever met! One
of my sisters is a teacher, and
I have huge respect for her
and for all teachers who have
a very hard job of trying to
inspire young minds!”
Geyer also fondly
remembers NDP in other
ways. “I think I miss our
track meets the most and the
camaraderie we all shared
whether the team won or
lost. There also was the time
Amanda Willick and I won
the hand-walking competition
during Irish Week when we were
freshman. We were so proud!”
Back to the present in San Diego,
Geyer says she is proud of what she is
doing for her country, but welcomes any
down time.
“I have to be away from home a lot, so
any time spent with my husband is bonus
time. We get pretty lazy on the weekends,
just walking around downtown, having dinner on the balcony, and sitting around watching
TV. I finally convinced him that scuba diving is fun
and now I’m working on getting him to feel the same
way about skiing. So we often travel to the mountains
to ski during the winter.”
Carrie (Geyer) Dillon ’99 (NDP)
teaches fighter pilots at the
Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar near San Diego, Calif.
FALL 2011 9
STAY CONNECTED!
RECEIVING ALUMNI E-NEWS? Do we have your current e-mail
address? If not, you are missing monthly alumni e-newsletters and
communications about class reunions. Visit www.ndpma.org/update to
update your e-mail address or other contact information.
Class Captains What is a class captain? A class captain serves as
a representative of his/her class, promotes the mission and vision of the
school, ensures that timely reunions are held—typically every five years,
works in conjunction with the alumni board of directors and with his/her
classmates to stay connected and keep information updated, and encourages alumni to attend events such as homecoming and other alumni
events. Are you interested in representing your class? Visit ndpma.org/
classcaps for a complete list of class captains and to sign-up.
Support Alumni Businesses
The Alumni Business
Directory includes
companies and
businesses owned by
members of the Notre
Dame Alumni Association. This online
directory is intended
to provide information to other alumni
seeking products or
services, and who
wish to consider doing
business with a fellow
graduate. The Notre
Dame Alumni Association encourages
networking and the support of alumni businesses. Visit www.ndpma.org/
abdirectory to view the directory and add your business to the list.
FOLLOW THE NOTRE DAME ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
on social media for all things Notre Dame:
PARENTS OF ALUMNI Remind your alumni sons and daughters
to update their address, phone and email. We still have parents’ home
addresses and phones listed for many young alumni no longer at home.
Parents may update us on their children’s behalf too. Remember we
love to hear about their achievements, graduations, job placements and
promotions, engagements, weddings and births of children. Visit www.
ndpma.org/update.
DAILY MASS Alumni are invited to daily Mass at Notre Dame
Preparatory School and Marist Academy (Pontiac) in the chapel. Masses
are held 7 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday
Mass is at 3 p.m. All are welcome.
10 IRISH
A note from the
vice president for
advancement
O
n behalf of the entire faculty,
staff and administration,
I would like to officially
welcome the Notre Dame
Preparatory School class
of 2011 into our alumni
association. The class of 2011 consisted of 153
seniors that were accepted to more than 120 different
colleges and universities across the nation and garnered a record $11.8
million in college scholarships. In addition, the class of 2011 completed
more than 9,000 hours of Christian service during their four years as
high school students.
The school also did well from a financial standpoint, benefitting
from an increase in enrollment and a 22% increase in fundraising. These
efforts are due to more and more families recognizing the value of the
Catholic and internationally-recognized, college-preparatory experience
that we offer and to increased generosity from our donors and benefactors, including more than 270 alumni who participated in our 2011
annual fund.
This past spring, we lost one of our most beloved Marists in the passing of Fr. John Bryson. Fr. Bryson impacted thousands of Notre Dame
students and alumni spanning a teaching, religious and service career of
more than 50 years. May he rest in peace.
This summer, we welcomed two alumni into the advancement office
with the hiring of Frank Castronova ’89 (NDHS) as our new annual
fund director and Rachel (Alexander) Miller ’00 (NDP) as our new
alumni relations director. Both Rachel and Frank, along with marketing
director Mike Kelly ’73 (NDHS), bring tremendous talent and capabilities to our team in addition to a genuine love and appreciation for their
Marist educational experiences.
Please know that it takes the efforts of many to create an exceptional
educational product in today’s financially stressed and competitive marketplace. As our country continues to struggle with important issues and
unprecedented political divide, know that Notre Dame continues to be
a bastion of Christian hope and morality as we strive with God to form
Christian persons, upright citizens and academic scholars.
Andy Guest ’84 (NDHS)
Vice President for Advancement
Fr. John Bryson Memorial Scholarship Fund
A special scholarship fund is being established in memory of Fr. John
Bryson, s.m., who passed away in May of 2011. The scholarship will be
awarded to current or incoming NDP students in need of financial assistance and is being funded in part by the family of Fr. Bryson
and in part through donations received at his memorial service. If you would like to make a contribution to the Fr.
John Bryson Memorial Scholarship Fund, please send
your donation using the enclosed envelope. Make sure
to write “Fr. Bryson Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the
memo line. More about Fr. Bryson on pg. 14.
world walker
Future doctor malinda killu ‘08 (ndp) is grateful for
what NDP gave her
A
fter finishing up
her undergraduate degree at the
University of
Detroit Mercy,
dMalinda Killu
’08 (NDP) plans to study medicine. She says she chose UDM
for a number of reasons.
Malinda Killu ‘08 (NDP) conducts
an experiment as part of her studies at UD Mercy.
“One, it’s close to home and
it helps since I’m such a family person,” she says. “Second,
I wanted to attend a Catholic
university. Third, there are not
many universities where you can
receive a private education, your
professor makes time to know
you on a personal level and
you’re able to go to lunch with
the whole department, including the chair of the department.
Plus, at UDM, we have Father
Albright, and every dental/medical school student knows Father.
It’s pretty awesome being taught
by someone who’s older than the
biology books.”
Her post-graduate plans are
to go to medical school to be an
M.D. in anesthesia. She’s looking
at Northwestern, John Hopkins,
Loyola and University of Michigan.
IRISH: What are you currently
studying? Why did you choose
this field?
KILLU: I am currently studying
biochemistry/pre-med with a
minor in both philosophy and
Spanish. I chose biochemistry
because you take just as many
biology classes as a biology
major and a lot of advanced
classes like a chemistry major,
so pretty much, I get the best of
both worlds. Plus, I think as a
biochemistry major, it looks a lot
better on an application to medical school.
IRISH: What is the most challenging thing about attending
college?
KILLU: I would have to say that
the most challenging thing about
attending college is balancing
your academic life with your
social life. There is also the “hidden curriculum” of attending
college. There’s no “Interpersonal
Relationships 1000” course to
register for—you have to figure
this stuff out on your own.
The lessons here are way more
important than your chemistry
courses, and they are much more
difficult to learn.
IRISH: Do you feel that Notre
Dame Prep prepared you for life
after high school?
KILLU: Notre Dame Prep
prepared me very well for my life
after high school. I approached
college with confidence because
of the education I had at NDP.
NDP taught me time management and how to study, what
to study and when to study.
I finished my freshman year
of college with a very strong
GPA and until this day, I have
maintained a very good GPA.
Someone once told me, “Notre
Dame Prep gave you one of the
best educations around, and one
day you’re going to have to give
back to them.” As of right now,
all I can do is thank NDP, but
once I’m successful, my gratitude
will be given to them.
IRISH: Was there a certain
teacher who inspired you in a
special way?
KILLU: Well, I do have to
say that all of my teachers
who taught me at NDP had a
positive influence on me, but the
one that I will always remember,
and people from my graduating class and above will always
remember, was Mr. Cannon. He
had a great sense of humor, he
was very intelligent and knew
his material. I grew a passion for
history because of him. He knew
how to make anyone laugh. Even
if you were just walking down
the hall, you would laugh because you knew something was
going to be said by him.
IRISH: What is your favorite
memory from Notre Dame?
KILLU: My favorite memory
was always in Señora Tessada’s
Spanish class, especially my
senior year.
IRISH: What are your hopes,
dreams and aspirations?
KILLU: Medical school is very
hard to get into. So I hope I get
into medical school especially
Northwestern. Also, I want to
travel the world but not how an
average person would do it. My
professor gave me this idea and it
will happen when I have enough
time; I want to walk the world.
I will start at the southern tip of
South America and walk along
the coast up into North America,
then cross at the Bering Strait
and end up in Ireland. It would
be the way to avoid all oceans
and say that once in my life, I
walked the world. Anytime a
Notre Dame Prep student wants
to talk about any of my experiences, just give me a date and
time and I will be there.
Marist Youth Leader Conference in atlanta – ‘a call to greatness’
This summer, seven Notre Dame Prep students, who will be seniors this fall,
joined students from Marist School in Atlanta for a Marist Youth Leader
Conference. The conference was held June 13-15 on the campus of Berry
College in Rome, Georgia, about 1-1/2 hours north of Marist School’s Atlanta
campus. Kelly Patterson ‘99 (NDP), who was director of alumni relations at
NDPMA and is now teaching in the middle division, and Larry Jack, NDPMA’s
bookstore and transportation manager, accompanied the students at the
conference.
The purpose of the three-day conference was to empower young leaders
in Marist schools for Christian leadership in the “Marist way.” This includes
formation skills, spirituality and a faith perspective. According to the guiding
principles laid out by the founder of the conference, Fr. Mark Walls, s.m., a
Marist priest from New Zealand who works with Marist youth and education
ministry in his home country and Australia, the participants learned that they
have a voice and “that voice needs to be heard if we are to announce the
‘Good News’ to its fullest.”
According to Walls, the main focus of the conference was that “We are
not trying to make your school great, but to make you great.”
FALL 2011 11
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR
ART SCHOOL
The top three factors that prospective students should consider when choosing an art
school, according to Widmaier:
“I would say location, program diversity,
and historical significance, not necessarily in
that order, and I would say that this could apply for any kind of post-high school education.
“Location, because changing what is
familiar to you and challenging your comfort
zones can be fruitful. Also, having friends
with couches all over the world means more
free places to stay. I remember after I first
moved to Chicago, everyone coming to visit
me from NDP—it becomes a good thing for
everybody.
“Program diversity, for the same reason
and why I thought NDP’s own art education
program was helpful.
“And historical significance, for this
I would say look at the people who had
already attended the school. This is important
because most of your education comes from
your peers. If the school looks to be producing interesting work and people from the
near past, the chances are that it still attracts
a similar person. The more interesting people
you have a chance to meet, the more you
can learn from each other.”
Among other art schools he attended,
Widmaier studied at the Academy of
Fine Arts in Prague. The Academy of Fine
Arts is the oldest art school in the Czech
Republic and one of the oldest in Europe
(est.1799).
12 IRISH
exploring
man’s
relationship with
machines
through
art
Notre dame alum’s
Residencies and
teaching positions
around the world
included a stint at
his alma mater
Artwork by Brian Widmaier ’01 (NDP):
“Origin and Destination” and “Ditto”
PVC, wood, acrylic. Variable dimensions (table tops, threefeet round).
N
otre Dame
Prep grad and
artist Brian
Widmaier
’01 is in the
Netherlands
working with and learning about
ceramics as a means to explore
and create art. The European
Ceramic Work Centre, located
in the city of s-Hertogenbosch
about 70 miles south of Amsterdam, is an international
workshop where artists, designers,
architects and staff members from
around the world explore the
artistic and technical possibilities
of ceramics as a medium.
In Widmaier’s own words,
he is there to build upon his
“understanding of the ceramic
medium so that I can better
execute ceramic-based projects in
the future.”
“Execution” is a great word to
describe Widmaier’s approach to
his craft. His work is complex and
technical and to bring about the
final piece requires uncommon
vision, supreme patience, attention to detail and the wherewithal
to put together—to execute—his
vision in tangible form.
A recent body of work deals
with among other things, illusion,
perception (misperception) and
man’s relationship with machines.
He talks about one of his
creations in the series by citing
20th-century British philosopher
Alan W. Watts, who said: “For us,
‘to know’ really means ‘to control;’
that is, to see how events may
be fitted to consistent orders of
words and symbols so that we may
predict and govern their course.
But this mania for control leads
ultimately to a barren confusion,
because we ourselves are by no
means separated from the environment we are trying to control.”
Widmaier says his “Untitled
Machines That Control the
World” comes to life when the
viewer turns a lever, activating a
series of gears, whose energy activates characters and images drawn
from stories and memories.
“These parables play out over
use until the viewer(s) destroy
the machine. The performance
becomes no longer accessible,
now only existing in imagination
and recalled in memory.”
The ceramic artist and sculptor graduated from Notre Dame
Prep in 2001 and went on to
study art at The School of the Art
Institute of Chicago, where he
received a bachelor’s degree in fine
arts, and Cranbrook Academy of
Art, where he earned a master’s
degree. He also has studied and
worked at institutions ranging
from Guldagergaard International Ceramics Research Center
in Skælskør, Denmark, and the
Akademie výtvarných uměni
(Academy of Fine Arts) in Prague,
Czech Republic, to California
State University in Long Beach,
where he produced and presented
new original work with other visiting artists.
In 2007 and 2008, Widmaier,
who is the son of NDPMA’s academic technology coordinator and
registrar Joanne Widmaier, was a
substitute art teacher at NDPMA’s
lower division as well as in the
high school, where he taught
drawing, painting and pottery.
He fondly recalls his own high
school art classes at Notre Dame.
“My art instructor was Mr. Kirby
Smith and I remember his classes
being particularly enjoyable.
[NDP] had good options in the
art program,” Widmaier said.
“There was painting, drawing,
ceramics, music and theatre.
Having that diversity of choice is
what made it a good program.
You know as a young person
(even as an old person) sometimes you don’t really know
what’s going to be your thing.
Having multiple outlets for
discovery gives everyone a chance
to find what they do best while
giving them an opportunity to
share it with others and contribute to society. If that was not
there for me, I’d just be bringing
the ruckus instead.”
Widmaier goes back to an
even much younger age when discussing what may have sparked his
interest in art and making things.
“I think like most people I
started drawing and painting at a
very young age. Coloring books,
finger painting, and even building
with Legos I would consider be-
ing important to the beginnings
of my life as a maker,” he said.
“Then I guess with time these fun
projects became more important.
At some point they became the
program for how I could operate
within the world of today. But
that specific point in time I am
still trying to remember—when
it happened and if there were
any definite triggers that caused
‘this.’”
In a relatively short amount
of time, “this” for Widmaier
has included an impressive
body of work and exhibitions,
including “Analogy” at Habatat
Gallery in Pontiac, Mich., “Out
of the Woods” at the Museum
of Contemporary Art Detroit
(MOCAD), and “LINE: Drawing in Contemporary Art” at the
Workshop Gallery in Bialystok,
Poland.
Besides his teaching experience at NDPMA, Widmaier also
taught art at the Ox-Bow School
of Art and Artists’ Residency in
Saugatuck, Mich.
Artwork by Brian Widmaier ’01 (NDP):
Top: “T.V. Land and Feedback”
Cardboard, wood, acrylic. Dimensions varied
(tiled background is four by eight feet)
Bottom: “Untitled Machine that Controls the
World (Tiger and Magpies)”
Cardboard, wood, acrylic, steel. 21x24 x21 inch
FALL 2011 13
“thanks a million!”
Alumni, Marists and friends gather on June 2 to
remember Fr. Bryson
R
ev. John W. Bryson, s.m.,
ended many Notre Dame
High School dances with these
famous words, “Thanks a million!” On Thursday night,
June 2, 2011, Notre Dame
alumni, fellow Marists and friends gathered
to honor and give thanks for the “disc jockey”
priest at a memorial Mass and reception
on the campus of Notre Dame Preparatory
School and Marist Academy in Pontiac, Mich.
Bryson died May 17, 2011, in Massachusetts.
Fr. Joseph Hindelang, ’68 (NDHS),
Marist vicar provincial and current principal of Notre Dame Prep, celebrated the
Fr. Joe Hindelang ’68 (NDHS) talks about Fr.
Bryson during the June 2 memorial Mass at
Notre Dame Prep.
mass along with six other Marist priests: Fr.
Brian Cidlevich, Fr. Ronald DesRosiers, Fr.
Francis Grispino, Fr. Leon Olszamowski,
’65 (NDHS), Fr. John Sadjak, and Fr. James
Strasz, ’70 (NDHS).
During Hindelang’s homily, he spoke
candidly about Bryson as a man who wasn’t
necessarily the most intellectual person, but
who was extremely savvy when it came to
business and marketing. “If you needed a
rosary, Fr. Bryson would sell you one.”
Hindelang said that Bryson loved to be
with the students and celebrated all the things
he did well. He was focused on improving
Notre Dame and working to improve the lives
of its students. At one point in the service,
alumni and friends had the opportunity to
14 IRISH
share stories about the beloved priest. Frank
Castronova ’89 (NDHS) recalled how Bryson would try to reuse as much inventory as
possible when working bingo. “He would
reuse coffee grounds for about three days
before discarding them. But he was great to
work for.”
Another alum, Mike Petrucci ’62
(NDHS) shared memories from the many
Notre Dame dances he attended as a
student, and said, “That’s where I met my
future wife, the love of my life. Fr. Bryson
had a way of bringing people together. The
dances would always start with an Our
Father, Glory Be, and Hail Mary, and ended
with an Act of Contrition.”
Among many remembrances received
from alumni was this from Ralph Panella
’80 (NDHS): “. . . I’ll always remember
that he would address folks as ‘Hollywood.’
He would say, ‘Hey Hollywood, come to
the concert on Friday night. Holy Smoke is
playing in the gym.’”
Thomas Blomquist ’62 (NDHS) said,
“Fr. Bryson was a close friend who was
always there when we needed him. Totally
unexpected, he showed up at my mother’s
funeral and concelebrated her funeral mass.
A wonderful man—I am sure there is a
special spot in heaven for him.”
After the liturgy—in the style of Fr.
Bryson—a reception was held in the cafete-
Memorial attendees enjoy slushies and
reminiscing in the NDP cafeteria.
ria and the same prayers were used to begin
the festivities. And music from the 50s, 60s
and 70s was played. Slushies were served “25
cents each, or two for a quarter,” and alumni
and friends looked at photos from their past
and remembered stories about their days
Frank Castronova ’89 (NDHS) presents one of
the readings at the Bryson memorial Mass.
at Notre Dame. And, just like many Notre
Dame dances, the evening ended with Percy
Faith’s rendition of “Theme from a Summer
Place.”
Bryson was born on December 8, 1923,
in Worcester, Mass., to John and Leola Bryson. He attended St. Peter’s Junior High and
High School, and then went on to the Marist
Novitiate, Our Lady of the Elms, in Staten
Island, N.Y. He received a Bachelor of Arts
degree from Marist College and Seminary in
Framingham, Mass., and was ordained in the
Society of Mary on July 25, 1953.
As a priest, he taught at Cathedral Central
High School for one year then at Notre Dame
High School where he became a legendary
teacher and friend to many during the years
1955 to 1970. Bryson’s dances and concerts at
the school brought in such musicians as Marvin
Gaye, Bob Seger, the Supremes and Ted Nugent.
From 1970-1976, he served as Bishop
Breitenbeck’s secretary in Grand Rapids, then
returned to Notre Dame until his retirement
in 2004 when he was sent to live at the Marist
House in Framingham, Mass. As his health
deteriorated, he was cared for at the Elizabeth
Seton Residence in Wellesley Hills, Mass., until entering into eternal life on May 17, 2011.
For more on Bryson, including archived
photos from the memorial service and remembrances from alumni and friends, please see
the Notre Dame Alumni Association website
at: http://www.ndpma.org/alumni.
FALL 2011 15
ARTWORK BY PATRICK KELLY ‘00 (NDHS)
IRISH News, from page 6
Weddings
Evan McCausland ’04 (NDP) and Victoria Gates at St. Andrew’s Church in Rochester, Mich., on October 2, 2010.
Gerry Mattei ’02 (NDP) and Molly Brictson in Chicago, Ill.,
on July 17, 2011.
Lynsey Bramstedt ’01 (NDP) and Jason Worthen, on July 16,
2011.
Pete Mattei ’00 (NDP) and Sheila Isabel Fernandez in Charlotte, N.C., on April 23, 2011.
Mike Poulin ’00 (NDP) and Kelly Green in Indianapolis, Ind.,
on February 12, 2011.
David Knesek ’99 (NDP) and Michelle Legacy in Traverse
City, Mich., on July 9, 2011.
Kristin Patrona ’99 (NDP) and Michael Poma, on August 12,
2011.
Jade Curry ’98 (NDP) and Robert Burns in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on February 11, 2011.
Births
Henry David Kruszyna, born March 31, 2011. Proud parents:
Tim Kruszyna ’01 (NDHS) and Nicole Kruszyna. Proud grandpa is Dennis Kruszyna ’70 (NDHS). Proud uncles are Dan
Kruszyna ’99 (NDHS) and Scott Kruszyna ’06 (NDHS).
Frank Joseph Cereska, born May 25, 2011. Proud parents:
Gina (Coppola) Cereska ’00 (NDP) and Branden Cereska—
and big sister Olivia Rose, 3-1/2 yrs. old. Proud grandfather
Frank Coppola ’73 (NDHS); proud uncle Joseph Coppola ’03
(NDP).
Bradley Joseph Griffith, born October 12, 2010. Proud parents: Brandon Griffith ’99 (NDP) and Michelle Griffith.
Jonah Nicholas Murphy, born February 22, 2011. Proud
parents: Theresa Mlinarcik ’99 (NDP) and Matt Murphy ’99
(NDP).
Alumni rest in peace
Michael Martel ’87 (NDHS)
Michael G. Pappas ’84 (NDHS)
Michael Boyd ’83 (PC), brother of Audrey ’79 (PC), Nancy
’82 (PC) and Susan ’86 (PC).
Guy J. Mattiacci ’76 (NDHS), Brother of Gary ’77 (NDHS)
Gary Michael Canu ’72 (NDHS), Brother of Jim ’71 (NDHS)
Estrella Anita “Star” Rosario ’70 (PC), Mother of Chessa
(Rosario) McCaughey ’98 (NDP) and Dario Rosario ’94 (OC)
Daniel P. Goltz ’67 (NDHS)
Rev. John W. Bryson, s.m., ministered forty-five years, primarily at Notre Dame High School. Was legendary as the “disc
jockey priest” for ND record hops. Served as the personal assistant to Bishop Joseph Breitenbeck in his early years as bishop
of the diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan. More on page 14.
NOTE: For a complete list, see ndpma.org/prayers.
May their souls, and the souls of all the Faithful Departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
What's your NEWS?!
To share your news in the next issue of IRISH, send a note to
Rachel (Alexander) Miller ‘00 (NDP) at [email protected], or
visit ndpma.org/update.
16 IRISH
Homecoming 2011!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Alumni tailgate begins at 6:30 p.m.
Varsity football game vs. Bishop Foley—7:30 p.m.
Alumni Field, Notre Dame Prep—Pontiac
FREE ADMISSION FOR ALUMNI AND FAMILIES!
Alumni from Notre Dame Prep, Notre Dame High School,
Oakland Catholic, Pontiac Catholic, St. Michael and
St Frederick are invited to attend.
Join us for a BBQ and visit with former teachers,
classmates and friends.
We look forward to seeing you!
The premier event for ND alumni!
OKTOBERFEST—Saturday, Oct. 1
Alumni and friends (21+) are invited to attend this
celebrated annual event organized by the NPDMA Parents Club. Join us for a fun evening of cocktails, music,
dinner and dancing. Tickets are $30 each and include
dinner, beer, wine and entry to door prizes. Purchase
your tickets through the alumni office by calling 248-373-2171, ex-3, before
Sept. 16.
ALUMNI IRISH GAMES—SATURDAY, MAR. 10
Remember competing in student games during Irish Week, like cageball, tug
of war and chariot racing? Well, grownups can have just as much fun! The
3rd Annual Alumni Irish Games will take place on the campus of NDPMA. Enjoy food, adult beverages and nostalgic Irish Games with your fellow alumni.
Save the date – Saturday, March 10, 2012. More information to come in the
e-newsletters, or visit www.ndpma.org/alumniirishgames for details.
all-class reunion for
St. Frederick
O
n September 12 of last year, the alumni from St. Frederick High School
celebrated an all-class reunion. The sunny day began with a memorial Mass
at St. Damien Catholic Parish in Pontiac.
“It was very important to us from the beginning to concentrate on
the Mass and get as many alumni involved as possible. So it was their Mass,”
said Patty Dean-Phillips ’52 (SF), who has orchestrated the reunion since
the beginning. In fact, the whole Dean family has been involved for a countless number of years
and is dedicated to getting alumni together and perpetuating the spirit of St. Frederick as well as
Catholic education in Pontiac.
A luncheon at Santia Banquet Hall followed the Mass. About 180 people attend each year,
and at the luncheon the Lawrence Dusenbury ’38 (SF) Award Recipient is always announced.
This year, Joe Kleiner ’50 (SF) received the award. The first recipient of the Dusenbury award
was Bill Brown from the class of 1927. It is given annually to a St. Frederick alum for dedication
to the philosophy of St. Frederick School. Dean-Phillips says Dusenbury was active and on the
board from the beginning. “He had a great devotion to the school.”
Though she devotes a lot of time to the event, Dean-Phillips said that when alumni gather for
the all-class reunion, “It’s like coming home again. You’re coming home to where your roots are,
in your church. It’s a labor of love.”
The St. Frederick Alumni Committee welcomes anyone who loves and cares for the ideals
and values, but most importantly, the memories of the years spent in that venerable old building.
The most enjoyable part of the reunion is seeing friends coming together. This year, the all-class
reunion for St. Frederick was Sunday, September 11, 2011.
SUPER RAFFLE The NDPMA Parents Club is sponsoring its annual
Super Raffle, and a $50,000 grand prize winning ticket could be yours.
Tickets were mailed to all alumni (more than five years out) in July. If you
did not receive your tickets or would like additional tickets, call the alumni
office at 248-373-2171. The Super Raffle is open to all alumni, family and
friends. The drawing will take place at the Parents Club “Oktoberfest-Irish
Style” event on October 1, 2011 (see below). You need not be present to
win. Grand prize: $50,000; 2nd prize: $10,000; 3rd prize: $5,000. Proceeds
from the Super Raffle will directly benefit Notre Dame Preparatory School
and Marist Academy.
FY 2011 Annual Fund Sets New Record Thanks in part
to increased alumni participation, the school’s fiscal year 2011 annual fund
grew more than 22% this year and exceeded $375,000 for the first time in
the school’s history. In total, we had 273 alumni gifts, including more than
200 from NDHS alums, accounting for approximately 7.5% of the annual
fund. Annual fund proceeds are used to enhance the school's arts, academic and athletic programs and to provide financial assistance to students
in need. All alumni gifts will be listed by donor and school in the upcoming
2011 annual report, which will be mailed to more than 12,000 constituents
this fall. Thank you for your generous support!
New Lefevre and Vicari restaurants ‘on the water’
Mike Lefevre, youngest of the Lefevre brothers (Greg ‘73, Jim ‘75, Tom ‘78
NDHS) has opened a restaurant on Jefferson in St. Clair Shores called “Mike’s
on the Water.” Reviewed by The Detroit Free Press this past spring as “a
Patty Dean-Phillips ‘52 (SF), left, hands over
the Lawrence Dusenbury ’38 (SF) Award to
Joe Kleiner ’50 (SF). The first recipient of the
Dusenbury award was Bill Brown from the
class of 1927. It is given annually to a St.
Frederick alum for dedication to the philosophy of St. Frederick School. Dean-Phillips
says Dusenbury was active in the school and
on the board from the beginning. “He had a
great devotion to the school.”
funky, ‘70s-style burger joint on Michigan Harbor,” Mike’s features baskets of
burgers and buckets of beers in a cozy spot right in the middle of the Nautical
Mile in SCS. Mike LeFevre, who also attended Notre Dame, was an owner of
the former Jack’s Waterfront Restaurant on Jefferson and his family operated
the venerable Lido’s on the Lake from 1982 to 1990.
Andiamo Restaurant impresario Joe Vicari ‘75
(NDHS) and his brother John ‘76 (NDHS) have
opened Brownie’s on the Lake in a building that
housed Dockside Jack’s, formerly known as Jack’s
Waterfront. The original Brownie’s, which was a
popular nightclub located in the Jefferson Beach
Marina, closed in the mid-1990s. Vicari also
recently converted his Andiamo Italia restaurant on the Nautical Mile to a
Rojo Mexican Bistro.
WILLS FORUM NDPMA will be offering a FREE educational forum titled
“Wills 101.” The forum is open to all parents and alumni and will answer
such questions as:
• Why do I need a will?
• What happens to my children if I do not have a will?
• Do I need to hire an attorney or can I create a will online?
The forum will be held at the school’s Pontiac campus on October 12 at 6:30
p.m. It will be hosted by Tom Delpup, a Rochester-based attorney and certified
financial planner with more than 20 years of experience in wills, trusts and
estate planning. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP through the
advancement office at 248-373-2171 – ext. 2.
FALL 2011 17
former cop, current author
T
’58 grad credits his HS English teacher with
inspiring a writing career
om Novak graduated from
Notre Dame High School
in 1958. He spent the 60s
working as a police officer in
Detroit after which he was
employed by Dow Corning
for 30 years. His tenure in Detroit as a cop
is what informed “Among the Tin Cans and
Broken Glass,” a fictionalized novel he wrote
based on that experience. He followed his
first book with “Good Ones and Scallywags,”
which recounts his experiences owning, training, hunting and competing in field trials
with his hunting dogs.
From Amazon.com’s review of Novak’s
first book, “Among the Tin Cans and Broken
Glass:” “In the 1960s Detroit, Michigan, had
a population of approximately 1.5 million
people. Their police force numbered around
5,200 men and women. This is the story of
one of the officers who served in that department. He was no super-hero, just a man
who loved being a police officer. The time
he served spanned the 1967 Detroit Riot, a
trying time in that man’s life and the city’s
history. This book is based on actual incidents
occurring during the 1960s in Detroit.”
Novak is retired, though he is working
on another book about police officers. He
recently took some time away from writing to
answer a few questions for IRISH.
IRISH: How did you start writing?
NOVAK: Actually, it started in grade school
where I wrote essays for the ADF (Archdiocesan Development Fund) while at Ascension
in Warren. I won a rosary in the fifth grade,
I think, for an essay. During my senior year
at ND, Mr. Vachon, my English teacher,
wanted us to write for a Free Press or Detroit
News contest. I did not win, but Mr. Vachon
said, “You can write, Tom. Don’t waste your
talent.” Much later, I sent him a copy of an
outdoor magazine published out of Cincinnati that bought two articles from me in
the late 70s just to show him I am trying to
follow his wishes.
IRISH: Why did you write your first book?
NOVAK: I loved being a police officer and
there were some things that needed to be
told.
IRISH: It’s a fictionalized account, but are
any of the characters based on you?
18 IRISH
NOVAK: The book was written based on
meritorious citations and commendations
that I received. Jake Bush, the main character, is based on the author. The ending is
pure fiction since I needed a good one.
IRISH: What about your second book,
“Good Ones and Scallywags?” It is about
bird-hunting and the special breed of dogs
used in hunting. Can you provide more info
on the book and perhaps why you wrote it?
NOVAK: I have had bird dogs since 1966,
hunting and competing with them in field
trials until the mid-90s, winning four championships along the way. I retired from field
trials to just hunt—which I still do—about
85 days a year in New Mexico and North
Dakota. Along the way while judging or
competing—or just hunting—I have met a
lot of “good ones and scallywags”—people,
dogs and birds. So I wrote about them.
IRISH: Are you working on any books
currently?
NOVAK: I am currently working on
another cop book. I put Jake back “on the
job.” Some readers thought they’d like a
sequel. This one will be pure fiction since I
spent 30 years working for Dow Corning
Corp. I think I can do it. Mr. Vachon said
I could.
IRISH: Do you have any memories of your
time spent at Notre Dame High School?
NOVAK: I transferred to ND from St.
Mary’s of Orchard Lake after my freshman
year. My dad was a factory worker, so I had
to work to pay my tuition and buy the “Ivy
League” clothes that were popular at the
time in 1955. I worked, but found a way to
make the sock hops that Fr. Bryson put on.
I also liked the music played during lunch
at the cafeteria. “Rock Around the Clock”
and “Blue Suede Shoes” were popular then.
IRISH: What about teachers, coaches, staff
from ND? Any who stand out for you?
NOVAK: I actually loved the way Mr.
Vachon read "Macbeth," changing voices
for all the characters. He was a sharp dresser
and, being the class clown, I had to make
comments about his Robert Hall wardrobe.
Fr. Verow was very good to me during
my frequent trips to his office. I looked up
to him. Fr. Boulanger was a great teacher
and man. I had Fr. Champagne for typing.
I think his bark was bigger than his bite. Or
maybe I liked priests who were strong men,
too.
Mr. Kelly—I had him in one class.
Always a smile. Then too, when I thought I
wanted to play football my senior year, it was
Mr. Kelly I sought out to talk to. I would
have had to quit my job at Stouffer’s at the
mall to play. My dad said I would also have
to give up my ’53 Ford. Mr. Kelly was honest
with me. I kept my job and my car.
Looking back, I now know I did not have
the talent to play on that team with ND’s
first graduating class. I went into the Marines
about a week after I graduated.
Novak’s first book, “Among the Tin Cans
and Broken Glass,” top, was followed by
“Good Ones and Scallywags.” He currently
is working on a third book.
BAZINGA!
M
ND grad finds fun and a career
in Hollywood
Busy director also finds time to teach at UM
ark Cendrowski ’77 (NDHS)
must be one of the most prolific
directors in Hollywood. A quick
scan of his body of work bears
this out as there are at least 200
TV shows, series and movies on
his resume.
But what Cendrowski is probably best known for
is his work on “The Big Bang Theory,” the CBS hit
comedy that premiered in 2007, for which he’s directed
nearly 100 episodes. He says that while “The Big Bang
Theory” takes up a majority of his time, he also is
currently directing some episodes of “Rules of Engagement” and a new show called “Mad Love.”
“We start at the end of July [on TBBT] and shoot
shows until March,” he said. “On hiatus weeks is when
I will jump over to another show if I can fit it into my
schedule.”
He says he’s also doing some Disney and Nickelodeon shows for some friends of his who are the executive
producers. “This keeps me busy during the summer
when the network shows are down.”
He recently shot a pilot for Disney and is currently A typical day on the set of The Big Bang Theory, according to Mark Cendrowski
developing a sitcom for TV Land. In addition, he says
’77 (NDHS), center, with party hat.
he started a small production company with some
name in Hollywood.” But he gets back to Ann Arbor twice a year as
writers, actors and directors “to try to keep the multia guest lecturer and meets with all of its film/television classes.
camera genre going.”
“I will talk with students in the advanced-writing programs as
After graduating from Notre Dame and then from the Univerwell as beginning directing classes and do a hands-on workshop in
sity of Michigan in 1981, Cendrowski moved to L.A. “to make my
the school studios. I’ll stage a few scenes from current shows I’m
working on. We use all student actors, crew and writers and when
I’m finished they have a product that they can then edit and use for
future classes. It’s a lot of fun and it gives students a glimpse of what
a typical work week is like for someone like me.”
Cendrowski, who has two brothers—also NDHS grads:
Dwight, in 1970, and Gary, in 1972—says he’d love to visit Notre
Dame Prep and talk to the students about his career, but the summer is about the only time during the year that provides a little
breathing room for him, which obviously would not work out since
NDP students are mostly gone from campus. He is hoping for an
opportunity in the near future.
And even though it’s tough to schedule it, he still makes a point
to get to Michigan each summer for a week of golf with his NDHS
buddies, including comedian Dave Coulier ’77 (NDHS).
“The last couple of years Joe Ciolino ’77 (NDHS) has been
responsible for putting together the outing in northern Michigan,”
Cendrowski said. “About twenty guys from our class regularly do it,
and it seems to keep growing every year.”
A new season of “The Big Bang Theory” premieres September
22 on CBS.
Cendrowski, left, says this is how "The Big Bang Theoryºs" Jim
Parsons, right, looks without makeup.
FALL 2011 19
It’s easy to make a difference!
It’s almost time for homecoming at Notre Dame Preparatory School, and I had a homecoming of my own
recently. Twenty-two years after graduating from Notre
Dame High School, I became the annual fund director
at NDPMA. It is a career move that feels right in so
many ways, and a position where I know I can make a
difference.
By facilitating my secondary education, the Marist
Fathers helped me develop my personal, intellectual
and spiritual skills, giving me success and happiness as
an adult. I’m sure that those of you reading this can recall a teacher, classroom
situation or other event from your high school years that has had an enduring and
positive effect on you.
Because I had such a wonderful experience, I have chosen to support the
Marists and NDPMA through a contribution to the Annual Fund for the past
several years. It is an important fundraising initiative at the school that enhances
programming at all levels, and supports our faculty, classroom technology, the
athletics programs, the arts and our beautiful campuses in Pontiac and Waterford.
It feels good to give to NDPMA, knowing my dollars help ambitious, bright and
curious young people experience a Notre Dame Marist education.
In my first communication with fellow alumni as a member of the staff,
I ask you to join me in supporting the Annual Fund today. If you’ve contributed
in the past, please consider a similar amount or more if you are able. If you’ve
not yet participated in the Annual Fund, please make your first of many gifts in
support of a Marist education—any amount will make a difference. You’ll be glad
you helped!
It’s easy to give. Go to ndpma.org and click on “Support Notre Dame,” and
look for the “Donate Now” button. Over the next weeks and months, the school
will reach out to those who have not yet made an Annual Fund commitment via
mail, telephone and e-mail. We even plan to include contributor testimonials in
future issues of IRISH. If you’d like to inspire others to make a gift, please contact
me at (248) 373-2171, ext. 5, or [email protected].
May God bless you all,
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September
10 35-year reunion, NDHS class of 1976
20-year reunion, NDHS class of 1991
40-year reunion, Pontiac Catholic class of 1971
11 St. Frederick all-class reunion 13 Alumni board of directors meeting
23 Homecoming tailgate and football game at NDP (vs. Bishop Foley)
Super Raffle ticket orders due
October
1 Oktoberfest and Super Raffle
drawing
11 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
30 NDPMA Open House, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Lower Division Open House
(Waterford campus) 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
November
5 50-year reunion, NDHS class of 1961 40-year reunion, NDHS class of 1971
8 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
26 10-year reunion, NDP class of 2001
December
4 Rochester Christmas Parade, NDP band plays
13 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
January
10 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
26 Alumni Art Show reception
26-31 Alumni Art Show at NDP
February
1-3 Alumni Art Show at NDP
21 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
March
10 Alumni Irish Games
13 Alumni Board of Directors meeting
Additional information for all events on
www.ndpma.org/alumni.
Frank Castronova ’89 (NDHS)
Annual Fund Director
HIRING!
The NDPMA Parents Club is looking for a producer for this
fall’s upper division musical and will consider any qualified
alumni. If interested, please contact Tim Philippart (NDPMA
Parents Club president) at [email protected].
CALLING ALL ALUMNI ARTISTS
The Alumni Art Show will be on display at
NDPMA January 26 – February 3, 2012.
All alumni are invited to display their
artwork. If you are interested, download
submission form found at www.ndpma.
org/alumniart and turn in with artwork beginning December 12, 2011. The opening
reception will be held January 26, 2012.
FALL 2011 21
W
NOTRE DAME PREP ALUMNI
Maria Lagrosso ’10 (NDP)—is a music
performance major at the University of Dayton.
Matthew Dondanville ’09 (NDP)—is a
sophomore at Grand Valley State and pursuing
studies in urban planning and sociology.
Logan Lawson ’09 (NDP)—Logan, along
with fellow Arizona State University water
ski teammates, was pictured in the nationally
circulated issue of “Waterski” magazine in March
2011. The featured photo was taken at the
National Collegiate Water Ski Championships in
Austin, Tex.
Molly Dimefski ’09 (NDP)—is a student at
the Savannah School of Art and Design and is
doing fabulously well. Molly thanks the college
counseling program at NDP for steering her in the
right direction!
Thomas Gulvezan ‘07 (NDP)—was accepted
to medical school at the University of Virginia.
Monica Majewski ’07 (NDP)—In May
I graduated from Michigan State University
with a B.A. in Communicative Sciences and
Disorders. I will be starting the doctor of audiology
program at Gallaudet University in Washington,
D.C. Gallaudet’s undergraduate population is
composed almost exclusively of deaf and hard
of hearing students, and its graduate population
is about 50% deaf/hard of hearing and 50%
hearing. I am very much looking forward
to continuing my education in this unique
environment, improving my American Sign
Language and exploring a new city.
Erica Saad ’07 (NDP)—I recently graduated
in December 2010 with a degree in advertising.
Currently (March 2011) I’m seeking a job in the
field with a strong focus on social and new media.
I must say the Notre Dame web site and alumni
stuff has come a long way.
Christopher Dondanville ’06 (NDP)—is
living in Wisconsin and enjoying his new job at
Epic Systems in Verona.
Kathryn Durkin ’06 (NDP)—I graduated
from St. Mary’s College a year ago in the spring.
In August, I moved to Centerville, Ohio. I am a
special education teacher. I work with kids who
have moderate to severe needs. It is physically and
emotionally exhausting, but I absolutely love it! It
is so incredibly rewarding. I am currently finishing
my first year. I really enjoy living in the Dayton
area. I do often visit NDP to watch my brothers
play football, basketball and run track. I can’t wait
to see everyone at our five-year reunion!
Jordan Jakubik ’06 (NDP)—was named
1st Team All-American in the ACHA (American
Collegiate Hockey Association). Jordan also was
We'd love to hear from you! Send
a note to let us know what you're up
to: e-mail Rachel (Alexander) Miller ’00
(NDP) at [email protected], or visit
ndpma.org/update.
We get letters and notes
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep alumni: (NDP); Notre Dame High School alumni: (NDHS)
Pontiac Catholic: (PC); Oakland Catholic: (OC); St. Frederick: (SF); St. Michael: (SM)
named the “MVP” for the ACHA 2010-2011
season. In 35 games last season, Jordan had 40
goals and 51 assists to capture the scoring title
for the ACHA. Jordan has been accepted into the
doctorate program at CMU for physical therapy
and began classes in spring 2011.
Kyle Sucher ’06 (NDP)—graduated from
Georgetown University and began working for an
organization that helps with water and sanitation
around the world.
Danielle Fergus ’05 (NDP)—is currently
working for the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Auburn
Hills, Mich.
Thomas Paci ’04 (NDP)—is currently working
for a bank based in Southfield, Mich.
Amanda Sekelsky ’03 (NDP)—is the school
administrative director for the Grand Rapids Ballet
Company.
Annalisa Simmer ’03 (NDP)—visited
NDPMA in March and shared stories of her
missionary work in Guatemala. Annalisa has
been a missionary since 2007, and also teaches
English at a Lutheran school.
Erica Armstrong ’03 (NDP)—is currently
living in Chicago and working as a Dean’s Fellow
for the dean of MSU College of Law. In 2007,
she graduated Cum Laude from Loyola University
of Chicago with a B.A. in environmental studies.
In May 2010, she graduated Cum Laude from
Michigan State University College of Law with
a J.D. and a specialization in environmental and
natural resource law. She has worked for the
National Wildlife Federation in Ann Arbor, the
Western Environmental Law Center in Eugene,
Ore., and has volunteered with the Safer Pest
Control Project in Chicago. She was admitted to
the Illinois State Bar in November 2010.
William Higgins ’02 (NDP)—living in
Chicago, Ill., and suggested the Notre Dame
Alumni Association arrange an alumni gettogether for Chicago-dwelling ND alumni.
[William, great idea and we’re working on it –
stay tuned for more information.]
Christina “Tina” Paci ’02 (NDP)—teaches
third grade at a new school in Austin, Texas.
Christina has specialties in reading and special
education.
Joe Rumph ’01 (NDP)—is the associate
director of investments at the Kresge Foundation.
Sarah Brown ’01 (NDP)—married Kevin
Baker on October 10, 2010, in Charleston, W.V.
The ceremony was held at the state capitol, and
fellow NDP grad Meghan (O’Donnell) Podolny
(‘00) was in attendance. In January 2011, Sarah
began working for Mountain State Justice, a
non-profit law firm representing low income
West Virginians in predatory lending and other
consumer cases. Sarah enjoys life in West Virginia,
and is active on the boards of the YWCA of
Charleston and the Clay Center for the Arts
and Sciences. Sarah writes: “Hope all is well at
NDP—one of these years I’m going to have to
make it back to Michigan for the alumni Irish
Games - I LOVE that idea!”
Kevin Sucher ’01 (NDP)—is working for the
Detroit Tigers as coordinator of group and season
ticket sales.
Jamie Sliwa ’00 (NDP)—I am a high school
AP Psychology and Civics teacher in Durham,
North Carolina. I have also been the varsity
lacrosse coach for the last eight years.
Jade (Curry) Burns ’98 (NDP)—is a pediatric
nurse practitioner working with the Henry Ford
Health System, and a Ph.D. student in nursing at
the University of Michigan.
Shanna Render-Samples ’97 (NDP)—I
contribute to research and development
programs for Army Robotics—robotic systems
that are fielded or will be fielded in the future.
I work specifically for U.S. Army TARDEC (Tank
Automotive Research Development and
Engineering Center).
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI
Joe Srodawa ’87 (NDHS)—I’m glad that
NDHS alumni have a place to call home. I live in
New Jersey with my wife and three daughters,
and own a group of companies that design,
manufacture and market diamond and jewelry
brands both through traditional retail channels,
and several e-commerce sites directly to
consumers. Keep me posted on what’s happening,
and if there are any ways I can contribute.
Peter Sullivan ’82 (NDHS)—I have two boys
- Jack (John) (14) and Maxwell (11).
Richard Semenik ’66 (NDHS)—I read with
great sadness about the passing of Bill Raymond
("IRISH," Spring 2011). He had a major impact on
both my education and my life. I remember I had
Mr. Raymond for calculus and as a coach for the
cross country team (in those days, if you wanted
to be a pitcher on the baseball team in the spring,
you had to run cross country in the fall.) I was
a miserable runner and frustrated with what I
felt was a meaningless, burdensome assignment
to the cross country team. After listening to my
whining (somewhat impatiently as I recall), Mr.
Raymond told me “Fine. Go clear out your locker.”
I spent the next week feeling like a weakling and
a failure and came to him begging to be back
on the team. He didn’t say much at that point,
except that I needed to be at practice that night.
Mr. Raymond taught me what it felt like to be a
quitter—and I have never gone there again. So, I
wanted to write to pay tribute to Mr. Raymond as
a great teacher and mentor.
Paul Vago ’66 (NDHS)—is recovering from a
stroke and encourages everyone and their loved
ones to get their cholesterol checked. [Paul, we
will pray for your speedy recovery.]
Dennis Berger ’65 (NDHS)—is helping to
plan the 50-year reunion for the class of ‘65,
which will take place in 2015. Dennis asks all
NDHS classmates to please update the alumni
office with your correct mail and e-mail address.
John Pierron ’64 (NDHS)—is living in
California.
Edwin Maloney ‘64 (NDHS)—is currently
the head football coach at Dundee High School.
He chaired the American Football Coaches
Association High School Committee for the 10th
consecutive year at the AFCA Convention in
Dallas, Tex., in January 2011. In addition, Ed has
been appointed as an ad hoc member to the
AFCA Board of Trustees, becoming the first high
school coach in the history of the AFCA to serve
on the Board of Trustees.
Jerry Alderman ’62 (NDHS)—is on the
planning committee for the NDHS class of 1962
50-year reunion and writes, “We've always
elected to have our gatherings at Notre Dame.
Obviously, it is not an option for our upcoming
50th. Our unanimous desire was to have it at
the 'new' Notre Dame. We are in the process of
contacting classmates and are getting a good
response so far. We know of some out-of-state
grads who will come in, and many from Michigan
who are not acquainted with your beautiful
campus as some of us are. I am sure all would
love to experience the new Notre Dame!!!”
John Valeri ’61 (NDHS)—is currently retired
and living in Arizona. John previously attended
University of Detroit School of Dentistry.
Richard Paperd ‘59 (NDHS)—lives in
Macomb Twp., Mich. Is still officiating high
school football, baseball, softball, basketball and
numerous youth leagues.
Jeffrey Bidigare ’59 (NDHS)—sent us a
note letting us know he recently retired.
Edward Goralewski ’59 (NDHS)—(from
Carol Goralewski, Ed's wife) I would like to inform
the Class of 1959 and 1958 that my husband
has had some health issues and has had two
legs amputated and is now a bilateral amputee.
Ed and I will celebrate our 50th wedding
anniversary on 12/30/2011. Ed said we will be
dancing on our anniversary!
ST. MICHAEL ALUMNI
Richard Stevens ’62 (SM) -- Thanks (to Kelly
Patterson) for your participation and presentation
at the St. Mike’s Class of 1962 reunion-planning
luncheon at Red Knapp’s in Clarkston. The
information you presented to the group was just
right. I believe our class feels NDP is finally an
adopted “brick-and-mortar” home we can turn to
as a part of our legacy.
CLASS REUNIONS
NOTRE DAME PREP
Class of 2001 10-year reunion. Saturday, November 26, at JD’s Key Club
in Pontiac, Mich. A family-friendly reunion is also planned for November 26
at Chuck E. Cheese in Sterling Heights. Visit www.ndpma.org/classof2001
for more info. Reunion Contacts: Lynsey (Bramstedt) Worthen, lbramstedt@
yahoo.com; Pamela DeMartinis Bishop, [email protected]; Jennifer
O’Rourke Bennett, [email protected]; Victoria Sidor, sidorvictoria@gmail.
com.
22 IRISH
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
Class of 1961 50-year reunion. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Penna’s of
Sterling Heights. Reunion contacts: Ken Engler: 586-949-4005 - ken.engler@
sbcglobal.net; Paul Baeckeroot: 586-286-6654 - [email protected].
Class of 1962 50-year reunion. Planning underway. Contact: Jerry Alderman [email protected].
Class of 1965 50-year reunion. The committee is looking to update e-mail
addresses and contact information, with the reunion being planned for 2015.
Dennis Berger: 909-223-4483 - [email protected].
Class of 1971 40-year reunion. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Club Venetian,
Madison Heights. Committee: Mike Scharl - [email protected]; Jim Bieszki [email protected]. cell: 734-604-1112; office: 734-457-0545.
Class of 1976 35-year reunion. Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Comerica
Park (Tigers vs. Minnesota). Reunion contact: Dean Ricci 734-421-0059
Class of 1981 30-year reunion. Saturday, November 5, 2011, at Ciccarelli’s
Sports Bar Theater, Shelby Twp. Reunion contacts: Tony DelVillano 586-4150640, [email protected]; Pat Casasanta, [email protected].
Class of 1986 25-year reunion. Planning underway. Reunion committee:
John Kaminski - [email protected], H: 612-822-4759, C: 952-2615546; Dan O’Brien - [email protected], 248-840-8391; Paul Arnone
- [email protected]; Stephen Schultz - [email protected];
Jonathan Zaidan - [email protected].
Class of 1991 20-year reunion. Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Comerica
Park (Tigers vs. Minnesota). Reunion contacts: Ronald J. Stempin, Jr., ronald_
[email protected], 586-295-1338; Eric Woodhouse, 586-945-0390; Rick
Nowicki, 586-295-1338
PONTIAC CATHOLIC
Class of 1971 40-year reunion. Saturday, September 10, 2011, at Bo’s Brewery
and Bistro, Pontiac. Reunion contact: Amy (Stiel) Almas - [email protected].
ST. FREDERICK
All Class Reunion, Sunday, September 11, 2011. St. Frederick School will be
open to tour from 9:00 a.m.—10:30 a.m. Mass is 11 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul
in Pontiac, Mich. Luncheon to follow at Santia Hall. Tickets available at Madonna
Shop on Huron Street, 248-681-3964. Reunion contact: Jim Russell at 248-3634209 or [email protected].
ST. MICHAEL
Class of 1962 50-year reunion. Planning underway. Contact: Dick Stevens [email protected].
Looking for or wanting to help plan your upcoming class reunion?
Email Rachel (Alexander) Miller ’00 (NDP), director of alumni relations, at
[email protected]. The alumni office can help you, and a reunion planning
informational packet is available. For details and a complete list of reunions, visit
www.ndpma.org/reunions.
Football coach looks for experience and
speed to help in this year’s campaign
Notre Dame Prep’s head football coach Kyle
Zimmerman is beginning his third year at the
helm of the Fighting Irish. A strong finish last
year has provided motivation and hunger as his
experienced squad starts the 2011 season.
IRISH: As you head into this season, what
progress have you made toward building the
program and how do you measure it?
ZIMMERMAN: In 2009 we had around
50 total kids in our high school program. We
are looking at 70 or more this year. However,
I look at what’s happening in the hallways
of the school, on Friday nights at the games,
how our players interact with people and how
supportive everybody is at ND Prep as a better
way to measure what we are doing. To me,
these things show that our players are taking
our football program and living it outside of
the game itself.
IRISH: What strengths and weaknesses (if
any) do you foresee for this year’s team?
ZIMMERMAN: The strength of this team
will be the experience and hunger we have
coming back from last year’s 4-5 record. We
have eight returning starters coming back on
each side of the ball. This is the third year most
of those kids have been in our system. They
know what to expect and they expect to win
every time they step on that field.
IRISH: The first part of last season didn’t go
as you planned, but then you put together
an impressive four wins to finish where you
outscored your opponents 117-19. To what do
you attribute the strong finish versus the first
part of the season?
ZIMMERMAN: I think it’s a tribute to
what we have built together here as a group
of players and coaches. We always talk about
believing in what
you do and believing in the guy
next to you. No
matter if we’re 0-4
or on a three-game
winning streak, the
kids and coaches in
this program gave
everything they had ND football coach
Kyle Zimmerman
in practice and on
Friday night to win. We just kept believing in
each other and what we were doing and just
kept getting better and better. Don’t forget
that we played teams that were a combined
34-1 in those first five weeks and no game
had us behind more than 12-0 going into the
fourth quarter.
IRISH: How do you think the defense will be
this season and what type of defense will you
run?
ZIMMERMAN: We hang our hat on our
defense. My defensive coaches are the best
around with Blaise Glennie (def. coord.)
Dean Leach (linebackers) and Shon Hart
(defensive backs). They do an outstanding job
getting our kids to play at a very high level.
We run a multiple front defense where we
try to keep our reads and keys simple so our
kids can fly around and play fast. We may be
smaller than most teams, but nobody will fly
around or hit like us. Our defense is relentless.
IRISH: How about on offense?
ZIMMERMAN: Returning this season are
four offensive linemen, four wide receivers,
three running backs and our QB, all who
contributed significantly last season. They
have practically lived together in the weight
room all winter, spring and summer. This is
the strongest offensive team I have ever been
around and I’m hoping that it will translate
into a great attack on the ground.
IRISH: On this year’s upcoming schedule,
are there any games that look to be especially
competitive?
ZIMMERMAN: We have three CHSL AA
division games: at Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard,
1 p.m., Sept. 10; at Divine Child, 7 p.m., Sept.
30; and home vs Lutheran North, 7:30 p.m.,
Oct. 10. Each of these games is critical for us
in order to put ourselves in position to play in
the Prep Bowl Oct. 22 at Ford Field. Also, our
homecoming game will be a big one on Sept.
23 at 7:30 p.m. when our biggest rival Bishop
Foley comes to ND Prep. They were not on
our schedule last year but we are looking
forward to continuing this rivalry and hope to
keep them on the schedule every year. Rivalries
are what make high school football special!
IRISH: What, if anything, has surprised you
the most since you’ve been the head coach here
at school?
ZIMMERMAN: I would have to say it’s the
sense of community that ND Prep has. When
I came here, I thought it would be one thing
that we wouldn’t have due to our families coming from many different parts of Oakland and
Macomb counties. I couldn’t have been more
wrong. The sacrifices the NDP families make
are unmatched. This place is a family; it’s the
greatest job I could ever dream of having and
I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part
of it.
(Editor's Note: At press time, the Notre Dame
varsity football team is 1-0 on the season after
defeating SCS Lakeview, 14-0, in the opening
game for both teams.)
FALL 2011 23
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